The CIM Alto Minho was present in Miranda do Douro, from October 19th to 21st, for the results presentation and closing sessions of the RED CIFT - Iberian Cross-border River Cruises Network project. The event brought together Portuguese and Spanish partners to showcase the achievements of two and a half years of collaboration.
The project has resulted in the development and improvement of 33 nautical-cultural routes spread across five river basins in the Iberian Peninsula: Minho, Lima, Douro, Tagus, and Guadiana. The aim was to enhance the natural and cultural resources of the cross-border regions, creating new opportunities for sustainable river tourism.
These routes combine river navigation, nature, heritage, culture, and gastronomy, and were developed using a common methodology for identification, evaluation, and certification. They aim to offer sustainable, accessible tourist experiences with commercial potential.
RED CIFT not only achieved its objectives but also strengthened cooperation between entities and tourism stakeholders in Portugal and Spain, highlighting rivers as connectors between territories and communities. The closing sessions also served to share experiences and identify future collaboration possibilities.
CIM Alto Minho's participation aligns with the strategy to promote the region's river and heritage resources, particularly the Minho and Lima rivers, and to reinforce cross-border cooperation for sustainable territorial development.
Funded by the Interreg VI-A Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) 2021-2027 program, the project had a total budget of €816,646.61, co-financed at 75% by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project was led by the Maritime-Marine Cluster of Andalusia (CMMA) and included CIM Alto Minho, AGAN+, OIDIANA, AEBB, Cluturex, and AIMRD, with the CCDR Algarve participating as an associated entity.
